The NSW Rural Fire Service's base in Dubbo now has an exciting new addition.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dubbo will now be home to one of three regionally-based multi-purposed firefighting helicopters with the other two being based in Coffs Harbour and Tumut.
Premier Dominic Perrottet, Deputy premier Paul Toole, Member for Police and Emergency Services along with Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders made the announcement on Monday morning shortly after the visiting trio landed in Dubbo.
They also turned the sod on the new $5.6 million RFS Aviation Centre of Excellence, which Mr Perrottet said the government would provide ongoing financial assistance for.
"The NSW government is committed to providing the resources and facilities to protect people across the state," he said.
"The Aviation Centre of Excellence will house four state-of-the-art aviation simulators as well as two dedicated training spaces, 27 accommodation rooms and other amenities."
RFS Commissioner Rob Rogers believes the trio of helicopters have been placed in the perfect locations to cover a wide range of the state and commended Dubbo Regional Council on its continued support.
"These aircraft need to be in local and regional NSW where they are closer to helping people," he said.
"We've got people like your local member Dugald [Saunders] advocating to get those local resources.
"But also I want to acknowledge the council here.
"Dubbo Regional Council has been an absolutely great partner for us with our academy and our staff here. It's a mutual benefit."
Mr Rogers also shed some light on what the aircraft can do outside of bushfire season.
"These aircraft will provide additional reassurance for regional NSW communities," he said.
"It will not only support the NSW RFS during fighting operations but also provide other regional emergency services with real-time high definition video streams and assist in search and rescue missions."
Mr Toole said the new Aviation Training Facility was part of the NSW government's $480 million commitment in response to the independent NSW Bushfire Inquiry.
"Not only will this helps drive jobs and growth in regional NSW but it will ensure resources are well-positioned to respond in the event of a fire and other emergencies in the Central West," he said.
Mr Elliot knows the three helicopters have the ability to be rapidly deployed regionally during bush fire season if necessary.
"The RFS aviation capability has grown over recent years and is now the biggest firefighting aviation fleet in the country," he said.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News